Candidate for National Convention

Caucus vs. Primaries

The word "caucus" comes from the Native People of America and means "to gather together and make a great noise." A caucus is a series of party meetings at every level of party organization within a state; wards, precincts, districts and counties. At each level, party members vote for delegates who will take their opinions on the choice of presidential candidate forward to the next level. Ultimately the state conventions choose the delegates to the national convention.

'Primary election' is the term used in America for the elections which will select the two party’s presidential nomination. The primary elections start in January of the election year in what is called the "primary season".

Closed primaries offer a greater degree of participation than caucuses in that voting is not confined to party members. Those voters who have declared an affiliation to a party are allowed to participate in that party’s primary. 

Open primaries allow even greater participation. The voters of a state, regardless of their party affiliation, can participate in either party’s primary but not both. The advantage of this system is that it allows the most popular candidate to be put forward and one who will have appeal across party lines.

Blanket primaries offer the widest possible participation. Voters are allowed to vote in both primary elections of the parties - i.e. at both the Republican and Democrat primaries.